Lancaster County Council unanimously approved second reading of the county’s 2009-10 budget on Monday night.

County Administrator Steve Willis said the proposed budget has not changed since first reading. Willis calls this a “continuation budget” because it will remain fairly static with the previous year’s budget. This means there will be no pay raises, but also no furloughs or layoffs.

Last week, Willis presented council with several options for cuts that could be made, if the budget needs adjusting.

Is your television ready for the big switch? On June 12, all full-power television stations in the United States will cease analog transmission and broadcast only in digital.

That means consumers who use an antenna to get free, over-the-air programming could lose their signals if their TV isn’t made digital-ready.

An official from the Federal Communications Commission, along with a Comporium Communications representative, will be at Lancaster City Hall on Tuesday for an informational seminar about the switch to digital.

Lancaster City Council got a chance to listen to a presentation about housing plans at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster on May 12. And judging by its action, council members liked what they saw.

Council voted unanimously on first reading to rezone property at Hubbard Drive and Brook Drive for the first residence halls at USCL.

The land, about 16 acres, is now zoned B-2 (neighborhood commercial), but if the ordinance passes two readings, it will become MF (multi-family).

Organized by the Kershaw Chamber of Commerce, the festival kicks off Friday at 7 p.m. with Kershaw Legends and gospel music.

The Legends performance includes impersonations of such acts as Loretta Lynn, the Beach Boys and Dixie Chicks. Vendors will be selling food, and several churches will also be giving away some food, said organizer Sheila Hinson.

Don’t let that $20 bill burn a hole in your pocket – spend it wisely at local businesses today that are offering specials on products and services as part of a special promotion.

The list of participating businesses includes several restaurants, home improvement stores, gas stations and clothing and apparel stores. Participating businesses have received a discount to run their advertisements in The Lancaster News, with ads costing between $20 and $40.

CATAWBA – One local naturalist encourages residents to come out to the annual Lilyfest on Sunday to view a natural phenomenon.

Lilyfest, held each year at Landsford Canal State Park, celebrates the peak bloom of the rare rocky shoals spider lily. The lily only blooms in a few places and is listed as a federal species of concern.

Lilyfest will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Those attending may walk a three-quarters of a mile to an overlook where they may view the lilies in bloom – a blanket of white in the Catawba River.

For just one crisp $20 bill, Lancaster shoppers will have the chance to enjoy discounts on a wide variety of items during the Spend $20 on the 20th event.

The event, which promotes spending money at local businesses on May 20 to help stimulate the local economy, involves a broad spectrum of businesses in Lancaster County. The list includes several restaurants, home improvement stores, gas stations and clothing and apparel stores. Participating businesses also receive a discount to run their advertisements in The Lancaster News, with ads only costing $20.